I'm a beginner, but the skills are slowly improving and I can see the day-in the distant future-when I won't be a rank beginner. So how do you figure out the skill levels we use on PR? What skills would make me a advanced beginner? I realize to a fair degree that they are arbitrary designations, but I'm curious as to how people figure out where they rank. I'm not concerned that I have all the skills people think I need-these are self designated levels based on our own opinions. But what skills do you think put you past the beginner level? I wish they had a novice level-for those that have never sewn before. That way when folks see a question from someone with that level they know how to respond correctly. We're all guilty of presuming knowledge that everyone should know. I'm particularly guilty of acronym overuse and I really should know better. I'm curious to see everyone's answers, but I realize everyone will have different opinions, which is fine. Not trying to start a debate, just trying to figure out what I need to learn next.
Mary

Well, I know I'm not a beginner - since I've been sewing most of my life. I even got paid for sewing at one point in my life (in college my big work-study job was in the costume shop).

But I look at the level I see in others, and the level of tools/materials I use, and I know I'm NOT an advanced seamstress. I'm not even 100% sure what level I gave myself (I'll look when this posts) LOL!

It's funny really, because there are things I find easy (gathering is one that comes up a lot) that other people find really hard, but then the same person does something else w/out thinking about it that I struggle with.

In the last year or so I've tried several techniques and finishes that I never did before, and probably wouldn't have it it weren't for this site.

Well, I, for one, think there should be a level between 'advanced beginner' and 'intermediate'.
I've been sewing since 4-H when I was in junior high school and that was a long time ago. However, I don't do really difficult projects and a lot of my sewing has been on-and-off-again.
I do some quilting, some simple garments, a liitle home-dec and am just learning machine embroidery. I sew strictly for the enjoyment of it. And, now that I'm retired, I spend much more time on my hobby than ever before...I love learning new skills.
But, I have a hard time calling myself intermediate as I think those people are much more advanced than I, but again I certainly am not a beginner. I guess it shouldn't really matter but I'd like to have a term that better defines my abilities.

Before I joined PR, I decided I was intermediate based on my reaction to a pattern's suggested skill level. It said, "For intermediate sewers," and I said, "That's me!" Then I sat down and thought about *why* I put myself in that category, and to me, being intermediate meant that I was accomplished enough to be willing to try ANY pattern or project, even if I'd never done it before. As a beginner, I might have looked at a pattern and said, "Oh, it has ______ (fill in the blank); I don't know how to do that; that's too advanced for me." Now I see a step and know I have enough experience to build on to attempt any new skill. An "advanced" seamstress, IMO, would already be able to do all those things in her sleep.

So for me it's less about which specific skills you may have done (I've never put in a zipper but I drape and draft my own patterns)... and more about how you feel when approaching a project.

Quote: I was accomplished enough to be willing to try ANY pattern or project, even if I'd never done it before.

I would add that advanced may also be limited. Perhaps you do formal wear in your sleep but might not be so skilled at tailored jackets or swimwear. There are many different fields and most of us are not expertly skilled at all of them although we could accomplish a creditable garment if we wanted to and could solve most of our problems some way. However research saves a multitude of ripped seams even for experts.

I see it differently I guess. I don't know that willingness to try a pattern determines your level. Someone who just started sewing can be willing to try any pattern. I don't believe that would make them an intermediate sewist.
I think the mastery of skills determine the level. If someone has been sewing for 30 years but never made much more than pillowcases, I think they would still be considered some level of beginner. I don't know. LOL
That said, it really doesn't matter what level you choose for yourself here IMO. It's just so nice to have such a large group of sewing people who always have an answer to whatever issue you're having.

I, for one, don't care. Put whatever you think you want to - I used not to put it at all, but then in an "upgrade" to the site, I found I was forced to put something in there, and really, Intermediate has such elastic parameters that I chose it.There is nothing that pertains to that here anyway - it isn't an academic site, and you don't have to have "credentials." HAPPY SEWING!!!!

I was reading some of the posts from previous threads on this issue-interesting reading The postings about the beginner contest in particular were useful. It's funny, I definitely consider myself a beginner, but I've done several of the items on the intermediate list! Not multiple times, but still... I may have to put myself in the advanced beginner category in the not distant future. If they do this contest again I would have to enter the advanced beginner category, even to my own judgement. But the ratings are definitely subjective, which they would have to be. I would love to see a beginner contest again, I feel completely outclassed in the contests I've entered so far. But reading some of these old threads helped give me some ideas of the skills I really need to work one-darts, zippers and fitting for just a few examples.
Mary

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.